There's a lot of beauty in art, including the fact there are no wrong answers, says local artist and teacher Daphne Bland.
"Art gives you the ability to step away from your daily life. Being creative is good for the mind, and when it comes to painting or drawing, it also gives you something lasting you can hang on your wall and look at with a sense of achievement."
Thanks to funding from the Stratford Creative Communities Scheme, Daphne is running a series of three workshops for non-painters and beginners to have a go at creating their own acrylic paintings.
"When people want to try something new, like painting, the cost can be prohibitive. You need good brushes and paint, and if you can't afford them, you might try cheaper options and then not get good results and give up. These free workshops will supply all the materials needed for people to paint a canvas as well as a cup of tea or coffee. "
The workshops are supported by the Stratford Positive Ageing Group and are for senior citizens, says Daphne.